Yup 5 stars, especially for those who already have a yoga practice. I have attended their basic classes, and it truly is basic vinyasa not yoga 101 (aka Hatha Yoga). I am a yoga instructor and Ayurvedic practitioner that lives in Sunnyside (just 1 neighborhood away). I have been taking class here for 2.5yrs. This authentic Vinyasa studio is no frills; hence to signing legal waivers, no constant email updates about the studio, no front desk pushing memberships/merchandise, and no specific lineage or guru/swami to follow. A side note to Nick (the owner), your no frills concept is brilliant! Now on to rating the teachers.
5 stars: Jodi
Pros: you will discover something new about yourself and your body every time as long as you tune into the instruction, and of course yourself. Also, she has the best sequences, soundtracks, inspirational quotes, and adjustments. Hence, yoga teachers who are looking for inspiration and clarity should take her class.
Cons: those of you who are looking to mimic the teacher will find that Jodi is very interactive, and not static. She'll demo the asana, and just as quickly come out of it in order to adjust 10 people. Also, if you've ever had one of her adjustments, you will look forward to another. Another side note, this con does not apply to me because I know that part of yoga involves utilizing ones sense of hearing in order to interpret the directions being given.
4 stars: Anna, Nick, Rikki
Anna is heart centered. The energy she puts into her classes just makes you want to hugs her, and I do so as often as I can. She's a good teacher for newbies because she'll demo the poses and sweat along with the class; which is very inspiring.
Nick will work you out. In my mind I see Nick like a Eastern European Olympic ice staking coach (I don't think he's from east euro). He's tough, not hands on, makes you sweat, and consistently keeps you aware of the purpose of yoga. Be aware that he tends to crank the music up during shavasana, which you may or may not like. Fellas, this is the guy you should go to for yoga!!!
Rikki cultivates balance of the body and mind. Unlike other teachers who continue to guide and direct; Rikki's gift is silence. She'll guide you into an asana that will physically challenge your sense of balance and gravity. Once you are there she says silent holding the space which allows one to find their way instead being told what you should be experiencing. Quoting her, "Feel what you feel"!
3 stars: Kajuan, Nora, Kelley, April, Juan
All of these teachers are good. Kajuan's classes remind me of OM yoga, intense but fun. Nora's classes remind me of yoga sutra, structured and detached from the students (and possibly herself). Kelley & April are both fully embodied young yoginis that need some more years to refine, think yoga to the people. Juan also comes off as a new teacher, and is fairly disengaged with students so adjustments are not always pleasant but still a nice flow.
Haven't tried Nicholas yet but I'm looking forward to doing so.
Yes, this studio is super affordable but it's because it is meant for true city yogis who know that a crowded room of like minded people equals sanga. When people in India practice yoga, it is a good sign when the room is packed because it affirms you are in the right place. For those of you who complained about the mats being back to back, go buy a membership to another local studio, because the spot you give up will be quickly filled by another. Yes the room can fill up to about 37 so come early to get your spot, and to utilize the one small bathroom and/or changing room. Lastly, the studio has a great sound system, excepts credit cards and offers free mat storage and towels. They stop selling bottled water which is awesome for the environment (see movie Flow: for the love of water). Last note, the also offer amazingly priced workshops and retreats! If you live in Astoria or any of it's surrounding neighborhoods stop by to try it out for yourself. Namaste ~*~ read more